Auto Express New Car Awards Winners 1994-2025 Complete List

The Auto Express New Car Awards stand as a benchmark for automotive excellence, recognizing vehicles that redefine categories through innovation, performance, and value. Judged by a panel of experts who rigorously test contenders, these awards have spotlighted trends from reliable family haulers to cutting-edge electric vehicles over three decades. This article dives deep into the winners across years, analyzing patterns, standout models, and what they reveal about the evolving car market.

Understanding the Awards’ Prestige and Judging Process

Since their inception, the Auto Express New Car Awards have evolved to reflect buyer priorities, incorporating categories like electric and hybrid vehicles as electrification surged. Winners are selected after extensive road tests focusing on handling, comfort, efficiency, technology, and pricing. Brands like Skoda, Hyundai, and BMW frequently dominate, proving that practicality paired with advanced features wins out. The awards influence sales, with past Car of the Year recipients often seeing boosted demand.

Recent Champions: 2025 and 2024 Highlights

In 2025, Skoda achieved a stunning sweep, securing four category victories including the overall Car of the Year with the Elroq, an all-electric SUV praised for its range, space, and affordability. The Octavia claimed Family Car, Superb Estate repeated as Estate Car winner, and Kodiaq excelled in its SUV class, underscoring Skoda’s mastery in versatile vehicles. This marked Skoda’s fifth Car of the Year triumph, highlighting the brand’s consistent appeal.

2024 saw Citroen e-C3 claim both Affordable Electric Car and overall Car of the Year, lauded for its accessible EV tech and nimble urban performance. Other stars included Porsche Cayenne in Large Premium SUV, BMW 7 Series in Luxury Car, Honda Civic Type R in Hot Hatch, and Kia EV9 in Large Company Car, blending luxury, sportiness, and practicality.

2023 and 2022: Hybrids and Crossovers Rise

Hyundai Kona earned 2023 Car of the Year for its versatile hybrid and electric options, versatile design, and sharp pricing. Hyundai i10 repeated in City Car, Dacia Sandero in Supermini, while Honda Civic Type R defended Hot Hatch honors. BMW i7 took Luxury Car, and BMW M2 dominated Performance.

Though full 2022 details are sparser, trends pointed to practical family vehicles like Dacia Jogger shining in Family Car, reflecting demand for spacious, budget-friendly options amid rising costs.

Early 2020s: The EV Revolution Begins

2021’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 pioneered as Car of the Year, its retro-futuristic design and ultra-fast charging setting EV benchmarks. Fiat 500 won City Car, Renault Clio Supermini, Skoda Octavia Family Car. Hyundai i20 N thrilled in Hot Hatch, Alpine A110 in Coupe, and Toyota GR Yaris in Performance.

Skoda Octavia repeated as 2020 Car of the Year, with Volkswagen up! in City Car, Renault Clio in Supermini, and Honda Civic Type R in Hot Hatch. BMW X5 led Large Premium SUVs, Bentley Flying Spur Luxury.

• EV Milestone: Ioniq 5’s win signaled shift to battery power.
• Hot Hatch Consistency: Civic Type R’s back-to-back victories.

Decade of Diversity: 2010s Winners

The 2010s blended traditional engines with emerging SUVs. Tesla Model 3 (2019) marked first full EV Car of the Year. Jaguar I-Pace (2018), Land Rover Discovery (2017), Jaguar F-Pace (2016), Volvo XC90 (2015) dominated with premium SUVs. MINI (2014), SEAT Leon (2013), Skoda Citigo (2012), Range Rover Evoque (2011), Skoda Yeti (2010) showed compact versatility.

2000s: Focus on Practicality and Fun

Ford Fiesta (2009), Jaguar XF (2008), Ford Mondeo (2007), Jaguar XK (2006), Ford Focus (2005), Fiat Panda (2004), Volvo XC90 (2003), Honda Jazz (2002), MINI (2001), Skoda Fabia (2000) emphasized superminis, estates, and emerging crossovers. Vauxhall Astra (1998), Volkswagen Passat (1997), BMW 5 Series (1996), Audi A4 (1995), Vauxhall Omega (1994) set executive standards.

Brand Dominance and Patterns Over Time

Skoda leads with multiple Car of the Year wins (Octavia 2020, Citigo 2012, Fabia 2000, Elroq 2025), excelling in value-driven segments. Hyundai’s rise—from Ioniq 5 (2021), Kona (2023) to i10 repeats—shows Korean innovation. European luxury like Porsche, BMW persists, while EVs surged post-2018.

• Skoda: 5 overall wins, family car mastery.
• Hyundai/Kia: EV and city car specialists.
• Japanese: Reliable hot hatches (Honda, Toyota).

Impact on the Automotive Industry

These awards guide consumers and manufacturers. Winners like Volvo XC90 pioneered safety SUVs; Tesla Model 3 accelerated mainstream EVs. 2025’s Skoda dominance boosts affordable electrics. Trends forecast more hybrids amid charging infrastructure growth.

Full List of Car of the Year Winners (1994-2025)

2025 Category Breakdown

Skoda Elroq doubled up in Car of the Year and Mid-size SUV. Kia Picanto (City Car), Fiat Grande Panda (Supermini), Skoda Octavia (Family), Superb (Estate), Kia EV3 (Small Company), Mazda MX-5 (Convertible), McLaren Artura (Performance), Renault 5 (Affordable EV).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most awarded brand in Auto Express New Car Awards?

Skoda holds the record with five Car of the Year wins and numerous category successes.

Which car won Car of the Year most recently?

Skoda Elroq in 2025.

Has an electric vehicle ever swept multiple categories?

Yes, like Citroen e-C3 in 2024 and Skoda Elroq in 2025.

How are winners chosen?

By Auto Express road test editors after comparative drives emphasizing real-world performance.

What trends dominate recent years?

Shift to EVs and SUVs, with affordable options from Skoda, Hyundai leading.